Farmers and market vendors in Savusavu continue to face a shortage of fresh vegetables, with rising fuel costs as one of the main reasons behind the ongoing problem.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Market Vendor Sambhu Lal says cabbage is currently the only vegetable available in large quantities, while beans, English cabbage, tomatoes and eggplants remain in short supply.
Insert: Lal on prices 19th July.
Lal says rising fuel price is one of the biggest reasons behind the shortage, as fewer farmers are now growing vegetables in the Savusavu area.
He says vendors are now forced to source vegetables from Dreketi and Labasa, but the high cost of fuel makes transportation expensive, discouraging many farmers from bringing their produce to Savusavu.
Lal says the prices of other vegetables also remain high, with English cabbage selling for $5 each.
He adds that while a small number of farmers from Vilogo continue to supply the market, they are unable to meet the growing demand.
Lal is calling on the government to review fuel prices to help reduce transportation costs and support farmers, which he says will help ensure a more reliable supply of vegetables to the Savusavu Market.
For now, both vendors and consumers continue to feel the impact of the vegetable shortage and rising food prices in Savusavu.
